No Pirates Like Old Pirates

Unless you’ve been living on Io (one of Jupiter’s 16 moons) since 2003, pirates are super cool right now. At least they have been ever since Johnny Depp donned on a wig and swagger (I like this word right now) and climbed aboard ship. As freakishly awesome as Jack Sparrow is, my first pirate love was Guybrush Threepwood. And as awesome as the Pirates of the Caribbean movies are, there is another pirate movie I’d rather spend my gold on.

Muppet Treasure Island is in my opinion the best pirate movie ever made.

Why?

Well, I’m very glad you ask.

First we start with an awesome theme song. Possibly one of the pirate songs ever produced for film. It’s right up there with Yo Ho.

As long as we’re on the subject of songs, all the songs are pretty awesome, but none more hilariously amazing than Cabin Fever.
I feel like this sometimes. 😛

And in case anyone noticed, Hanz Zimmer wrote the score for Muppet Treasure Island some 7 years before he penned the score for Pirates of the Caribbean. Sweet, huh?

But what about star power? How could its cast compare to Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Kiera Knightly? I’m pretty sure the Muppets alone are not only bigger stars, they’ll still be around when Orlando Bloom is back in diapers. But if it’s human star power you need, how about Tim Curry, Billy Connolly, and Jennifer Saunders? What? Not convinced you say. Their names might not be as recognizable, but their talent surely is. Then by all means check out these clips.

Tim Curry – Awesome, and that’s all I have to say about that. If you don’t know Curry, your life could use some spice. (Lame pun)

Billy Connolly – Couldn’t find the death scene 🙁 But this scene will still make your sides hurt … from laughter.

Jennifer Saunders – One of my favorite comedians at the top of her game. Brilliantly funny.

Ok. Ok enough with all the video posts.

The point is, I love this movie. Everyone I know who has seen this movie loves it. Growing up on Seseme Street and Muppet Babies, I can’t help but love those furry puppets. Gonzo was my man, just like he’s Jim Hawkins’ man… er… whatever. Muppet Treasure Island is a pirate romp you can show to any kid without having to worry about there really being any of the downsides to piracy. If you haven’t laughed until tears seep out of your eyes by ten minutes in, there must be something wrong with you. I’ve got nothing against Pirates of the Caribbean movies, I’m a fan, but I only need to see those once, I’ll watch Muppet Treasure Island a hundred times. In my opinion that’s the mark of a great movie.

Maybe Muppets aren’t your thing. But if you like funny, and you like Pirates, you’ll loooove Muppet treasure island.